Backgrounder
Worker Enfranchisement Act
*Updated 4/2/25*
Worker Enfranchisement Act
H.R. 2572
Sponsored by Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO)
The Worker Enfranchisement Act, introduced by Rep. Bob Onder, amends the National Labor Relations Act to require secret ballots and strong employee participation in workplace union elections. It mandates a two-thirds quorum of eligible employees in unionization elections to ensure that workers’ voices are heard in a more democratic fashion. If fewer than two-thirds of workers participate, the election results are invalid.
Current law allows union elections to be decided based on the number of votes cast even if most workers eligible to vote don’t participate. Low participation can create an environment ripe for abuse. In an op-ed regarding the legislation, Rep. Onder and I4AW President Vinnie Vernuccio noted:
The Worker Enfranchisement Act would require at least two-thirds of eligible workers to participate in a unionization election. If that threshold is cleared and the union wins, it gets the monopoly to represent all workers. If that threshold isn’t met, the election is invalid, because not enough workers had an opportunity to make their voices heard. Quorum requirements are common in Congress, state legislatures, and even the federal board that certifies union elections. Jobsites shouldn’t be different — not when workers’ futures are on the line.
The reforms proposed by the Worker Enfranchisement Act are designed to protect workers and ensure that unionization elections are more democratic.
Bill Status: The bill was introduced on April 1, 2025, and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. It was previously introduced in the 118th Congress by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI).
Additional Resources:
“Protect Workers’ Right to Vote”
Washington Examiner op-ed by Rep. Bob Onder and Vinnie Vernuccio
https://www.nationalreview.com/2025/04/protect-workers-right-to-vote/
“Republicans must give workers a voice”
Washington Examiner op-ed by Rep. Tim Walberg and Vinnie Vernuccio
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/faith-freedom-self-reliance/3107558/republicans-must-give-workers-a-voice/
“Workers of the World, Vote!”
Wall Street Journal op-ed by Vinnie Vernuccio
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/workers-of-the-world-vote-unions-voting-election-36f9087a
Rep. Walberg Introduces Worker Enfranchisement Act
US Chamber of Commerce post by Sean Redmond
https://www.uschamber.com/employment-law/unions/rep-walberg-introduces-worker-enfranchisement-act